Klitschko sends out defiant message to Ukrainian people as Russia begin invasion

Former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has posted a powerful message on social media after Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine.

Sajid Javid confirmed on Tuesday that the “invasion of Ukraine has begun” as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to enforced a “barrage” of sanctions on Russia in response to their actions.

The worrying move has driven fear into the hearts of many Ukrainian citizens.

But Klitschko, who is one of the country’s most famous figures and the brother of the Mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, remains defiant in his belief the country will get through this.

Speaking on Twitter, he said: “Be sure: Ukraine is strong!

“It has a strong capital #Kyiv, strong cities, villages and a strong solid and united people who value above all their independence, sovereignty and peace in Europe.

“Its WILL to exist is infinite. Glory to Ukraine!”

Putin’s tanks rolled into Ukraine on Monday night creating the most “dangerous situation since the Cuban Missile Crisis”.

Around 10,000 troops moved into two Russian speaking breakaway areas of Ukraine that Putin recognised as independent states, taking the world back to when it held its breath in the shadow of nuclear war.

Wladimir’s brother Vitali has held the roles of Mayor of Kiev and head of the Kiev City State Administration since 2014.

The pair both dominated the heavyweight boxing division for a number of years.

Unified champion Wladimir remained unbeaten for more than a decade before he was dethroned by Tyson Fury in 2015.

And Vitali held the WBC belt for more than eight years before retiring on top in 2012.